In this special episode, Melissa and Josh reflect on a big moment: being featured on the cover of Modern Storage Media's October issue! 🎉 They share what it means to be recognized and the exciting shifts happening behind the scenes at Lighthouse Storage Solutions.

Melissa opens up about her recent transition away from managing a state association to focus fully on Lighthouse, and together they break down how state self storage associations actually work—including the difference between affiliate-run vs independently run states, and how the Self Storage Association (SSA) supports the industry at the national and state level.

💡 Episode Highlights:

• What led up to being on the cover of Modern Storage Media

• Melissa’s transition away from from state management in TN and LA

• How self storage associations work—from SSA to state-run events

• Differences between affiliate and SSA association models

• Lighthouse updates, what’s coming next, and a heads-up about no new episode next week!

Modern Storage Media October Messenger Issue - Preview Here

October Surprise Newsletter - Read Here

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Do you really know who’s renting your storage units?

In this episode, Josh and Melissa Huff dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of effective self-storage marketing: creating clear, specific buyer personas. Understanding your customers is the first step to attracting more of them—and retaining them longer.

We break down how to analyze your current rent roll to identify customer patterns, segment renters into meaningful categories (happy vs. sad customers), and craft profiles that can guide your marketing, sales messaging, and customer service.

💡 Key Highlights

• Why buyer personas are essential for self-storage marketing

• The difference between “happy” customers (e.g., new homes, hobbies) and “sad” customers (e.g., divorce, downsizing, death)

• How to read your rent roll to uncover your core audience

• Practical walkthroughs of two buyer personas:

  • Alice: A recently divorced mom of two teens navigating transition

  • Mike: A 50-year-old side hustler growing a cornhole board business

• How to tailor your marketing and facility experience to each persona

Plus… the October surprise you’ve been waiting for 👀

Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff

Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Whether you’re a hands-on owner-operator or a passive investor looking to scale, finding the right management style can make or break your self-storage success. In this episode, guest host Brad North walks us through the various management setups—from on-site managers and remote tech-driven operations to hybrid and hub-and-spoke models.

We explore the real pros and cons of each option, when it’s time to shift your approach, and how to assess your facility’s needs based on size, staffing, and customer expectations. Brad shares practical insights from his own journey starting as an owner-operator, growing through third-party management, and mystery shopping his way to operational clarity.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose between self-managing or hiring a third-party team—or how to optimize customer service, marketing, and upkeep across different styles—this episode is for you.

💡 Key Highlights

• The evolution from DIY operations to full-scale third-party management

• On-site vs. remote: balancing cost, control, and customer service

• When hybrid or hub-and-spoke models work best

• What to look for (and avoid) in a third-party vendor

• Signs it’s time to re-evaluate your management fit

• Tips for auditing your management performance and making transitions

Watch the YouTube replay- Choosing the Right Management Fit

Guest: Brad North (Advantage Consulting & Management)

Hosts: Tommy Nguyen

Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions